Culture and Entrepreneurship – A Close Collaboration for the Growth of the Creative Industries

On June 17, the sixth and final Mentor Club meeting titled “Stories of Successes and Failures in Entrepreneurship” took place in the Gaujas Street Quarter in Cēsis. Throughout the day, creative female entrepreneurs shared personal insights into the entrepreneurial landscape in Latvia – from the birth of an idea to overcoming challenges and building strong brands.

The event gathered driven women from various creative sectors to openly exchange experiences, seek answers to pressing questions, and draw strength from like-minded professionals.

One of the day’s highlights was an inspiring talk by Daina Domašūte, co-founder of the brand DeepDeepLight. She offered a glimpse into the brand’s formation, the challenges creative entrepreneurs face in Latvia, and stressed the importance of perseverance and trusting one’s vision, even when the road is difficult.

“If the idea came to you, then you also have the resources to make it happen,” said Daina, highlighting the significance of community support and client feedback in fueling the desire to continue.

She emphasized that a brand’s values form the foundation of a business. According to her, a company’s identity and direction start with a clear understanding of what matters most to its founder.

“We create a safe environment where everything is done together, and every decision is made collectively,” she noted.

In their creative process, challenges are inevitable. Daina shared that mistakes are called “beautiful mistakes” because they open the door to creative solutions. The brand’s values are not just internal beliefs – they shape how the company operates, communicates, and impacts society. When entrepreneurs are aware of their values, they can build authentic brands and move towards sustainable growth.

“If this wasn’t my company, I’d really want it to be mine,” said Daina.

DeepDeepLight is currently the most expensive watercolor brand in the world, although that was never the main goal. The brand’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that true value lies in storytelling and quality. Every pigment and color is carefully selected and processed to ensure high quality, long-lasting results, and to inspire creativity. The aim is not exclusivity, but to elevate the art of watercolor painting to a new level – connecting people through a shared love of watercolors and creativity, and building a community. This ambition and the constant desire to dream prove that the most expensive colors can also be the most meaningful.

At the end of the day, participants were also addressed by Associate Professor Ieva Zemīte, cultural researcher and Director of the joint Master’s program Creative Industries and Growth Management by the Latvian Academy of Culture and Riga Technical University. In her speech, she encouraged a deeper integration of the creative industries and entrepreneurship, reminding the audience that culture and the economy are inseparable – they enrich and strengthen one another.

Ieva also represents the company GlassPoint, where she serves as Head of Sales and Marketing. She noted that this field is full of challenges. The original business plan had to be adjusted in response to market conditions, shifting from offering ready-made products to designing custom-made solutions based on specific client needs.

“Glass art in Europe is becoming increasingly difficult to pursue, especially in areas that require industrial-scale production,” Ieva explained.

Mass-produced glass goods often dominate the market, while artistic design solutions require specialized knowledge, such as glassblowing – a skill mastered by a limited number of artisans.

Entering the glass art sector is financially demanding from the outset due to the need for extensive technical infrastructure – specialized kilns, ventilation systems, tools, and safety equipment. Such infrastructure not only requires significant investment but also specific expertise and a suitable environment, which is not readily available in many places. This greatly limits the opportunities for new artists and enthusiasts to enter the field.

One of the solutions behind the studio’s success is the shared use of technical equipment, allowing artists and entrepreneurs to use existing facilities and spaces. This approach lowers initial investment barriers, makes the field more accessible, and fosters creative collaboration. The studio is also used for workshops and masterclasses, offering opportunities for the public, groups, and tourists to explore glass art as a creative activity. Shared infrastructure not only supports newcomers but also strengthens the community and helps preserve and evolve this traditional craft.

The event concluded with the shared understanding that success often stems not just from achievements, but also from experiences gained through failures. Participants acknowledged the importance of accepting things as they are. Failures often serve as turning points that allow for more thoughtful decisions and clearer direction moving forward. Thus, success is not a coincidence – it is a process that emerges from overcoming difficulties and using them as a foundation for growth.

This edition of the Mentor Club took place at the Gaujas Street Quarter, a cultural space in Cēsis developed by Agija and Mārtiņš Tiknusi, who continue to work in Riga while cultivating the quarter. When choosing a property in the regions, they traveled across Latvia, prioritizing proximity to nature, distance from Riga, and a vibrant cultural environment – including concert halls, restaurants, and community life. Cēsis matched those values and so does the Gaujas Street Quarter – a tranquil space with rich opportunities for everyday fulfillment.

Feedback from participants confirms the value and significance of the project for their professional growth. Most noted that it exceeded expectations – boosting self-confidence, providing new knowledge, and creating meaningful connections with like-minded professionals. Several participants also reported increased visibility on social media, which had been one of their goals upon joining the project. Overall, the experience was described as inspiring, practical, and empowering.